City in Nuevo León, Mexico
Is Monterrey safe?
Safe in San Pedro and central tourist areas with normal care; parts of the wider metro have gang-related crime.
Is Monterrey safe?
Safe in San Pedro and central tourist areas with normal care; parts of the wider metro have gang-related crime. Use apps at night and avoid long road trips after dark.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-08-11.
- Homicide rate in Mexico: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Mexico: 12.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Monterrey at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Car break-ins, phone and bag theft, and occasional robbery on buses. Cartel violence has declined from past peaks but persists in outer areas. |
| At night | Bars and restaurants in San Pedro are lively and safe. Always use Uber or DiDi at night; streets are car-oriented and empty. |
| Solo women | Solo women travel for work and leisure. Catcalling is less common than elsewhere; use app rides at night and keep drinks in sight. |
| Other risks | Summer heat above 38°C; Flash floods in storms and hurricanes; Fast, aggressive traffic on highways |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxis from the airport charging well above app prices
- Street vendors adding extras to restaurant or cantina bills
- Fake police asking for cash fines
Take care
- Barrio Antiguo late at night after bars close
- Outer neighborhoods and bus stops after dark
- Cabs on highways to Nuevo León towns at night
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carrying any firearm or even a single bullet can mean prison.
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned and can be confiscated.
- Drinking in the street is illegal in most cities and brings fines or arrest.
How Monterrey compares in Mexico
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Mérida | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Miguel de Allende | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cozumel | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Isla Mujeres | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Holbox | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bacalar | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guanajuato | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Monterrey | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Valladolid | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Paz | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puebla | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Querétaro | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Morelos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mazunte | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Todos Santos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ajijic | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mexico City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cancún | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tulum | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Playa del Carmen | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Vallarta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cabo San Lucas | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Oaxaca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Guadalajara | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Escondido | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Sayulita | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| San Cristóbal de las Casas | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Mazatlán | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tijuana | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Acapulco | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is Monterrey safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel for work and leisure. Catcalling is less common than elsewhere; use app rides at night and keep drinks in sight.
Is Monterrey safe at night?
Bars and restaurants in San Pedro are lively and safe. Always use Uber or DiDi at night; streets are car-oriented and empty.
What is the crime rate in Monterrey?
Car break-ins, phone and bag theft, and occasional robbery on buses. Cartel violence has declined from past peaks but persists in outer areas. Nationally, Mexico records 24.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Monterrey?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911.
More about Monterrey
Going to Monterrey solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Metrorrey
- Monterrey airport (OMA)
- SINAICA air quality
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.